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October 03. 2014 2:00AM Asian cuisine for all seasons at Misoya Bistro The California rolls at Misoya Bistro are filled with imitation crab, cucumber and avocado. Photo by Nick Morgan With the Craterian 2014-2015 performance season now beginning in earnest, the time is right to suggest one of its neighbors for an Asian lunch or dinner before the show.  Located next to the Collier Center for the Performing Arts, at 235 Theater Alley in Medford, Misoya Bistro describes its menu as "Asian Fusion," combining well prepared Japanese dishes, sushi and Korean items under one roof. I brought a friend, and together we sampled the restaurant's Japanese fare.  At each of three recent visits, the restaurant started with a complimentary bowl of fresh edamame — an item I've had to pay for at other Japanese restaurants. My friend ordered the salmon teriyaki with tempura and rice ($13.95), and I chose the Japanese steak with salad and rice ($14.95). The restaurant earned top marks in plate presentation. My friend's entree was a salmon filet grilled in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce that was thoughtfully layered with three lemon slices on top. The generous portion of shrimp and vegetable tempura was carefully placed, using the onion rings to hold the other fried pieces together. My entree impressed as well, with marinated ribeye steak served with sauce still bubbling on a searing skillet under a bed of grilled onions and topped with sesame seeds. Served on the side with both entrees was Korean-style purple rice, and my dish came with a simple green salad with a tangy dressing. Both of us left eager to order our entrees again.  At a later date I found myself with a craving for a California roll ($4.50) and a bowl of miso soup ($1.95). Admittedly they're not the most adventurous Japanese dishes, but the savory soup had just the right amount of tofu and seaweed, and the California roll was cool and freshly prepared. The restaurant does the Japanese basics well, and I was able to enjoy its outdoor seating area adjacent to the fountain at Vogel Plaza. I found it to be a pleasant time away from the office when the weather cooperates. But when temperatures started dropping last week and the rain came down, I found myself at the sushi bar ordering green tea and Spicy Ramen ($8.95). The big, well prepared bowl of noodles and Asian vegetables in a spicy broth was plenty for any appetite, and an ideal dish on a cold day. The dish also included a side of tempura vegetables, a bonus to me as I didn't see that they were included on the menu. — Nick Morgan http://www.mailtribune.com/article/20141003/ENTERTAINMENT/141009995 © 2015 Copyright © 1995-2011 Crain Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms of Use Privacy Statement -->